Designing Women: Where They Work

While I was in graduate school, I interned at an advertising agency. The president of the firm gave me an important piece of advice: "You have to decide if you are a business person or a creative person." It took me a surprisingly long time to answer this question, and I suffered much professional unhappiness as I tried to be someone I was not. It is important to remain open-minded and explore different opportunities, but the answer to the question - "What do you want to be when you grow up?" - often can be found in the passions we held as children. What did I love when I was young? Books, reading, writing and rearranging the furniture - the same things I love today. In celebration of the creative life, I share some photos of the workspaces of some creative women (who lead successful businesses). Enjoy! 

The library/conference room of Branca, the creative design group founded by decorator Alessandra Branca in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. 

Photography by John Bessler.

Text by Jennifer Wilson.

"Inspire Me! Designer Digs" produced by Jenny Bradley.

Traditional Home.

Branca, the creative design group founded by decorator Alessandra Branca in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. 

Photography by John Bessler.

Text by Jennifer Wilson.

"Inspire Me! Designer Digs" produced by Jenny Bradley.

Traditional Home.

Alessandra Branca's "office walls are upholstered with lively red-and-white paisley. A bulletin board filled with photos of family and friends holds center stage. Vintage textiles and fabric samples are piled throughout for easy access."

Branca, the creative design group founded by decorator Alessandra Branca in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. 

Photography by John Bessler.

Text by Jennifer Wilson.

"Inspire Me! Designer Digs" produced by Jenny Bradley.

Traditional Home.

“ 'My office is white and clean and without decoration - a blank canvas on which to create,' says Barbara [Barry]. The only must-have items in the office? Fresh flowers from the garden. Open space. And sunlight - plenty of sunlight."

The office of Los Angeles-based designer Barbara Barry.

Photography by Mark Edward Harris.

"Inspire Me! Barbara Barry" written and produced by Jenny Bradley.

Traditional Home.

"A bulletin board full of inspiring images takes on a life of its own."

The office of Los Angeles-based designer Barbara Barry.

Photography by Mark Edward Harris.

"Inspire Me! Barbara Barry" written and produced by Jenny Bradley.

Traditional Home.

" 'We take our work seriously, so our office is a bit like a laboratory with its absence of decoration and color. It allows us to approach each new project unencumbered,' says Barbara [Barry]."

The office of Los Angeles-based designer Barbara Barry.

Photography by Mark Edward Harris.

"Inspire Me! Barbara Barry" written and produced by Jenny Bradley.
Traditional Home.

"Color boards and palette possibilities for Bobbi's newest lines fill her studio. The vintage train case was the impetus for the makeup case sitting atop it."

Makeup magnate Bobbi Brown's think tank/retail space/"education center" that she and her husband, developer Steven Plofker, created out of a former auto-body shop in New Jersey.

Photography by John Bessler.

Text by Jennifer Wilson.

"Where Women Create" produced by Jenny Bradley.

Traditional Home.

"Vintage bottles on Bobbi's desk spur colorful new products."

Makeup magnate Bobbi Brown's think tank/retail space/"education center" that she and her husband, developer Steven Plofker, created out of a former auto-body shop in New Jersey.

Photography by John Bessler.

Text by Jennifer Wilson.

"Where Women Create" produced by Jenny Bradley.

Traditional Home.

"Old-fashioned molded woodwork and wood floors warm an otherwise industrial space. Bright daylight streams through wide windows - perfect for analyzing colors."

Makeup magnate Bobbi Brown's think tank/retail space/"education center" that she and her husband, developer Steven Plofker, created out of a former auto-body shop in New Jersey.

Photography by John Bessler.

Text by Jennifer Wilson.

"Where Women Create" produced by Jenny Bradley.

Traditional Home.

"Decorator Martyn Lawrence Bullard perfected [former] Jimmy Choo president [and founder] Tamara Mellon's London study by mingling a vintage Jansen desk with a 1960s hot-pink leather chair; the print of Grace Kelly is by Andy Warhol."

Photography by Simon Upton.

"Great Ideas: Work Force" by Helen Yun.

Elle Decor (November 2008).

Tamara "Mellon is all about business at her Maison Jansen desk."

New York City apartment of Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon.

Interior decoration by Martyn Lawrence Bullard.

Photo credit: Douglas Friedman.

"A Fashionable Life: Tamara Mellon" by Derek Blasberg.

Harper's Bazaar (August 12, 2010).

The library of interior designer Suzanne Kasler's Atlanta office.

Photography by Erica George Dines.

"Bright Star" by Clinton Smith.

Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles (April 28, 2010).

"[Suzanne] Kasler's own work space features personal mementos, including her collection of Eiffel towers."

The Atlanta office of interior designer Suzanne Kasler.

Photography by Erica George Dines.

"Bright Star" by Clinton Smith.

Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles (April 28, 2010).

"Oversize drum shades by Boyd Lighting help to delineate the office's work areas."

The Atlanta office of interior designer Suzanne Kasler.

Photography by Erica George Dines.

"Bright Star" by Clinton Smith.

Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles (April 28, 2010).

"Green sofas and a Bagues chandelier brighten the main room."

Manhattan headquarters of AERIN, Aerin Lauder's home-and-fashion business.

Interior decoration by Jacques Grange.

Photography by Pieter Estersohn.

Text by David Colman.

"Aerin Lauder's Glamorous Manhattan Offices" produced by Howard Christian.

Architectural Digest (2012).

"A George Condo oil in a meeting room."

Manhattan headquarters of AERIN, Aerin Lauder's home-and-fashion business.

Interior decoration by Jacques Grange.

Photography by Pieter Estersohn.

Text by David Colman.

"Aerin Lauder's Glamorous Manhattan Offices" produced by Howard Christian.

Architectural Digest (2012).

The Rome office of Frida Giannini, creative director of Gucci.

Nine-story palazzo designed by Raphael and his pupil Giulio Romano circa 1515.

Renovation by architect Federico Gigli.

Photography by James Mollison.

"Roman Empire" by Alessandra Ilari.

W Magazine (October 2009).

"[Tara] Guerard conceived the uniform shelving that lines the back wall and had it custom-made to fit the room. Binders purchased at Walmart and office supply stores were enlivened with strips of paper, and tangerine colored boxes are nods to the company's orange logo."

Charleston, South Carolina, office of Tara Guerard Soiree.

Photography by Julia Lynn.

"Wedding Belle" written by Jennifer Fernandez.

Lonny (June 2013).

"A framed orange-and-gold wedding kimono dominates one wall of the front office, which is designed like a living room and doubles as a conference area for meeting with brides-to-be. A zebra-striped screen found at a local antiques mall provides visual interest next to a white settee punctuated with patterned pillows."

Charleston, South Carolina, office of Tara Guerard Soiree.

Photography by Julia Lynn.

"Wedding Belle" written by Jennifer Fernandez.

Lonny (June 2013).

"In Sheila Bridges's Harlem office/guest room, bold stripes by Pintura Studio create a graphic background for engravings of indigenous peoples; the armchair is Bridges's own design."

Interior design by Sheila Bridges.

Photography by William Waldron.

"Great Ideas: Work Force" by Helen Yun.

Elle Decor (November 2008).

"[Designer Tory] Burch holds one of a string of daily staff meetings in her vibrant orange office."

Photography by Kevin Tachman.

"Tracked: Tory Burch" by Adrienne Gaffney.

WSJ.Magazine (October 26, 2012).

Designer Isabel Marant's Paris Studio, 2013.

Photo obtained from Isabel Marant's website. 

Designer Isabel Marant's Paris Studio, 2013.

Photo obtained from Isabel Marant's website. 

"Designer Isabel Marant at her company headquarters, in Paris."

Photography by Angelo Pennetta.

"The Cult of Isabel Marant" by William Van Meter.

WSJ.Magazine (August 19, 2013).

Office of Jenna Lyons, executive creative director and president of J.Crew.

Photography by Matt Furman.

"Inside Jenna Lyons' Office" by Fast Company Staff.

Fast Company (May 2013).

Office of Jenna Lyons, executive creative director and president of J.Crew.

Photography by Matt Furman.

"Inside Jenna Lyons' Office" by Fast Company Staff.

Fast Company (May 2013).

Office of Jenna Lyons, executive creative director and president of J.Crew.

Photography by Matt Furman.

"Inside Jenna Lyons' Office" by Fast Company Staff.

Fast Company (May 2013).

"The partner's desk belonged to Alexa's father, [the late] designer Mark Hampton."

Office of interior designer Alexa Hampton of Mark Hampton LLC.

Photography by Jeff Hirsch.

NYSD House: Alexa Hampton by Sian Ballen.

New York Social Diary (November 12, 2010).

William Kent table. "Alexa Hampton's design library is bursting at the seams. 'I've had to take some of the floor space for them,' " she says about her books.

Office of interior designer Alexa Hampton of Mark Hampton LLC.

Photography by Jeff Hirsch.

NYSD House: Alexa Hampton by Sian Ballen.

New York Social Diary (November 12, 2010).

Words

What does your home say about you? The art you select offers clues about your lifestyle, your creativity or your sense of humor. Some homeowners hang letters or signs from flea markets to create custom messages on their walls. Hand-painted postings convey a casual spirit. Other homeowners pay six or seven figures to fill their rooms with the words of contemporary artists. Take a look . . . 

"The dining area's pendant lights are by O'Lampia Studio, the armchairs are slip-covered in a Summer Hill fabric, and the metal sign is vintage."

Meg Ryan's home in Martha's Vineyard.

Interior design by Meg Ryan and interior designer Marsha Russell of Satinwood, Ltd.

Photography by William Waldron.

"Meg Ryan Hits the Beach" by Ingrid Abramovitch.

Elle Decor (June 2010). 

"In Roth and Emily Martin's bedroom, the Jacques Adnet armchairs are from Hedge, and the rug is by Mark Nelson Designs, the shelving is original."

Interior design by Steven Volpe.

Photography by William Abranowicz.

"Western Union" by Ingrid Abramovitch.

Elle Decor. 

"A 19th-century sign from a Pennsylvania hotel hangs in the entrance hall."

Interior design by Karin Blake.

Architecture by Nantucket Architecture Group.

Photography by David O. Marlow.

“Seasons by the Sea” text by Jean Strouse.

Architectural Digest (June 2007).

"The dining area of Tracy and Nick Lehman’s New York City apartment, designed by Desai/Chia Architecture, combines a custom-made Corian-top table by Kenneth Asmar Custom Interiors, 18th-century French chairs, and a grid of typographical prints by Christopher Wool. The chairs in the adjoining media room are by BoConcept. The bamboo floor is by Teragren, and the wall paint is a Benjamin Moore custom blend."

Interior design by Katherine Chia, Desai/Chia Architecture.

Photography by Joshua McHugh.

Text by Brad Goldfarb.

"Inner Space" produced by Robert Rufino.

Architectural Digest (July 2011).

"In the double-height family room, a 1965 Frank Stella canvas hangs over the mantel, while a painting by Yoshitomo Nara dominates the opposite wall. Grouped in front of the sofa, which is accented with an Hermès cashmere throw, are a Mattia Bonetti table from David Gill Galleries, a pair of Hans J. Wegner Ox chairs from Wright auction house, and two Gio Ponti club chairs. The lighting along the far left wall is by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, acquired from Galerie Kreo. The sheep are by François-Xavier Lalanne, and the Moroccan carpet is by Didier Benichou."

Six-story townhouse in Manhattan.

Interior design by Delphine Krakoff, Pamplemousse Design Inc.

Gut renovation by Oliver Cope Architect.

Photography by Bjorn Wallander.

Text by David Colman.

"Uncommon Vision" produced by Robert Rufino.

Architectural Digest (July 2013).

"The living room features an expansive fireplace surround of blackened steel, a custom-made sectional sofa covered in a Loro Piana cotton, stools by Atelier AM in a Sam Kasten bouclé, a vintage Prouvé chair, and a Pierre Guariche floor lamp; the painting is by Richard Prince."

Vacation home in Aspen, Colorado.

Renovation by Alexandra and Michael Misczynski, Atelier AM.

Original architecture by David Finholm.
Photography by Pieter Estersohn.

Text by Patricia Leigh Brown. 

"Winter Palace" produced by Howard Christian

Architectural Digest (December 2011).

"A Lawler photograph of lightbulbs presides over the library; the desk is 19th-century English."

Trey and Jenny Laird's 1870s townhouse in New York City.

Renovation by interior designer Jeffrey Bilhuber and Rietveld Architects.

Photography by William Waldron.

Text by Rob Haskell. 

"Back to the Future" produced by Robert Rufino

Architectural Digest (February 2012).

"On a 30th birthday trip to Paris, Berkley [Vallone] happened on a flea market jumble of oversized letters from the side of an old German bank building. Back home, she tried arranging them in something comprehensible for her living room wall. When [future husband] Ken visited for the first time, he found the message she'd settled on quite compelling - 'KISS ME.' "
Scottsdale, Arizona, home of Berkley Vallone and her family.

Interior design by Berkley Vallone, Berkley Interior and Lifestyle Design.

Builder for remodel: Nance Construction.

Photography by Colleen Duffley.

Written by Lisa Cregan.

"Gotta Love It!" produced by Barbara Mundall.

Traditional Home (May 2012).

"A vintage Vladimir Kagan sofa, an Oscar Niemeyer chaise, and a 1960s French cocktail table in the living room." I Feel You artwork by Jenny Holzer.

Manhattan apartment of Walter Schupfer and Gina Goldman’s Manhattan apartment
Architect Timothy Archambault. 
Interior design by Nina Seirafi.
Photography by Pieter Estersohn.
"A Townhouse-Inspired Loft" by Ingrid Abramovitch.
Elle Decor (October 2011). 

"The lacquered partial wall that divides the living and family rooms hosts a neon work by Tracey Enim; paintings by Keith Haring are displayed nearby."
Interior design by Martyn Lawrence Bullard.
Photography by Roger Davies.
Text by Brad Goldfarb.
"Elton John and David Furnish's Beverly Hills Home" produced by Carlos Mota.
Architectural Digest (March 2013).

"A work by Jeff Koons surmounts the living room mantel, near a Gerhard Richter abstract canvas and a Fox-Nahem sofa with a lyrical bronze base by Fran Taubman; the circular chair is by Pierre Paulin."

Greenwich, Connecticut, Colonial Revival home of Allison and Warren Kanders.

Interior design by Joe Nahem, Fox-Nahem Associates.

Architect: Alveary Architecture.

Photography by Simon Upton.

Text by Dan Shaw.

"Seismic Shift" produced by Michael Reynolds.

Architectural Digest (June 2013).

"The stairway displays a Richard Prince joke painting."

Interior design by Tony Ingrao and Randy Kemper.

Architect: Frederic Schwartz, Frederic Schwartz Architects.

Photography by Nikolas Koenig.

Text by Leslie Bennetts.

"Donny Deutsch's Modern New York City Townhouse" produced by Howard Christian.

Architectural Digest (October 2011).

"In the living room, a Barnaby Furnas canvas is installed over the mantel, with an Andy Warhol 'Rorschach' painting and a Tom Friedman cereal-box sculpture nearby; Tom Otterness bronze figures are displayed on the windowsills. An 18th-century Italian chandelier is suspended above a Saarinen table by Knoll, and the skirted chairs pulled up to the Steinway piano are upholstered in a Manuel Canovas cotton."
Classic prewar apartment in Manhattan.
Interior design by Vicente Wolf. 
Photography by Pieter Estersohn.
Text by Julie L. Belcove.
"Breaking the Mold" produced by Howard Christian.
Architectural Digest (January 2013). 

"Paintings by Harland Miller and a Turkish rug from Lawrence of La Brea in the entry."

Malibu, California home of Courteney Cox.

Interior design by Trip Haenisch.

Renovation architecture by Michael Kovac.

Photography by Simon Upton.

Text by David Sokol.

"Scene Change" produced by Anita Sarsidi.

Elle Decor (July/August 2011). 

"A stainless-steel wall sculpture by Octavio Abundez dominates one end of the living room; the bird painting is by Michael Hainey, and the Gilbert Poillerat chairs are clad in a Clarence House linen stripe."
Interior designer Nate Berkus's Manhattan apartment.
Interior design by Nate Berkus.
Photography by Pieter Estersohn.
Text by Samuel Cochran.
"Up Close . . . and Personal" produced by Robert Rufino.
Architectural Digest (November 2012).

"The David A. Barnes House," the North Carolina home of Kenny Long Thomas and Leeta Harding.

Photography by Patricia Lyons.

"Heritage Homestead" by Donovan Webster.

Garden and Gun (December 2012 - January 2013).

Weekend house in Marin County, California belonging to Kim and Mark Dempster.

Interior design by Kim Dempster and Erin Martin.

Photography by Alec Hemer.

"A Chic Little Beach House" interview by Christine Pittel.

House Beautiful (July - August 2012).

Hibiscus Hill, the home in the Bahamas that India Hicks and David Flint Wood share with their four children.

Renovation, interior design and landscape design by India Hicks and David Flint Wood.

Text by India Hicks.

"Island Girl" photographed and produced by Miguel Flores-Vianna.

Veranda (May - June 2011). 

For a look at messages of love in the home, please see my Valentine's Day post - Love in the Home.